While both Venetian Glaze and Classico Limewash are lime-based products used on masonry surfaces, they serve different design goals. Venetian Glaze is a permanent finish that is best for achieving semi-transparent effects with a dilution range of 100%-300%, whereas the maximum dilution for Classico Limewash is 100% (1:1). Venetian Glaze was not designed to patina over time like Classico Limewash and is more durable with less maintenance. Venetian Glaze can also be tinted to a much wider range of colors, including deep tones, whereas Classico Limewash is limited to lighter shades. While Classico Limewash can be distressed in different areas for that weathered, old world look, Venetian Glaze is applied in one uniform, semi-transparent but cohesive look.

Venetian Glaze works on both interior drywall and absorbent masonry surfaces such as unpainted, unsealed brick, stone, stucco or similar. Masonry surfaces must be absorbent in order to create the color shifting effect. Drywall must be primed and sanded smooth prior to application.

Venetian Glaze has a neutral base, meaning it can be custom tinted to both light and dark colors. With a wide color range, it makes a great choice when looking for a specific color that white-based products cannot achieve.

For application on painted or unpainted drywall, apply MicroGrip Primer before using Venetian Glaze. For color shifting absorbent masonry surfaces, no primer is needed if the surface is natural, absorbent and unpainted.

Venetian Glaze doesn't come with a warranty, much like our Classico Limewash and for similar reasons. The durability & longevity of the product is dependent on the process of calcification and is therefore slightly unpredictable. Weather and moisture, in all its forms, can influence how quickly and how long that process takes place.

To extend the life and beauty of your Venetian Glaze finish we recommend applying Mineral Shield, a completely clear topcoat that does not change the finish. It changes the surface tension so water vapor can still come out of your brick or stone, but water is no longer absorbed in.

Essentially, like nature itself, it can be hard to predict and will weather over time, therefore we do not offer a warranty. With occasional maintenance to keep the original look or just letting it age naturally, the results are certainly worth it.

On stone, the most natural look is one that allows its natural color and pattern variations to remain intact. If you want to change the overall color tone of your brick or stone without losing its natural look & feel, we highly recommend Venetian Glaze. Because stone is typically more dense and less absorbent than most brick, it is the best choice for long-lasting results on stone. Venetian Glaze also comes in a wide range of colors due to its neutral base, so you can go light to dark or dark to light. It's still a natural lime product just like our Classico Limewash but there are more binders which can handle a much higher dilution (max 300%) for a more semi-transparent effect without sacrificing strength.

In the past, people have found success using our Classico Limewash, diluted over 200%. The upside is its long "open" time to experiment with the paint before it begins to calcify. The downside is chalking and sacrificing durability. Diluting the Classico Limewash above 100% will saturate the binders that help the product adhere to your surface, so there's no way to predict how long those results will last. This creates a need for more frequent touch-ups or maintenance. You are also limited to whites and light neutrals as the Classico Limewash base is very white.

Venetian Glaze is currently sold in 3 sizes:

• 1 Liter – covers approximately 40-100 sq/ft of interior drywall (undiluted) or 160-260 sq/ft of interior/exterior brick or masonry (diluted to 200%)
• 2.5L – covers approximately 100-250 sq/ft interior drywall (undiluted) or 400-650 sq/ft of interior/exterior brick or masonry (diluted to 200%)
• 15L – covers approximately 600-1500 sq/ft interior drywall (undiluted) or 2400-3900 sq/ft of interior/exterior brick or masonry (diluted to 200%)

*Actual coverage is heavily dependent upon application type, surface, texture, dilution, and absorption. It is recommended to test product on actual surface to determine the exact consumption.

Because it is easy to add more paint if needed, but not easy to remove once dry, we highly recommend that you test a few stones in a small area, at the highest dilution (300% or 3:1) first. Once the paint appears dry (approx 30mins) you can decide if you want more coverage and add additional product. Our standard recommended dilution (only for color shifting brick or stone) is as follows:

Venetian Glaze can be applied to interior drywall in 3 easy steps.

1. Apply Romabio MicroGrip Primer, let dry overnight and then sand lightly until smooth.
2. Mix product thoroughly before use.
3. Apply 1st and 2nd coats undiluted with a trowel.

We always recommend working in small sections to keep a wet edge and allow more movement. You can also protect your finish with Romabio Plaster Wax Matte or Decorative Topcoat Flat. See our Venetian Glaze Cleaning & Protection Guide for more info.

Venetian Glaze can be applied to brick or stone in 3 easy steps.

1. Dilute with clean water 100%-300% (100% is 1:1, 300% is 3:1)
2. Mix thoroughly before and during use as the product sediment settles quickly
3. Apply 1 coat with a Romabio Masonry Brush and allow to dry

Before applying, we always recommend testing the surface with water to be sure it is absorbent. The surface must absorb water, not bead up, for semi-transparent effects.

Our Decorative Topcoat Flat can be applied after Venetian Glaze and creates a washable, clear coating that protects and resists water for interior and exterior walls. For more information about Decorative Topcoat Flat, visit the product page here.

When applying Venetian Glaze, for the most natural look we recommend starting with 300% dilution and adding more product if/when more coverage is needed. It will need to dry to get the full effect but remove promptly (within 30 mins) with water and sponge or brush if coverage if more opaque than desired.

While you will need to product to dry before getting a feel for the true effect, if the coverage is more opaque than desired, remove promptly (within 30 mins). Use water and light abrasion using a scrubbing sponge or brush. To avoid this occurring, we always recommend starting with 300% dilution and adding more product as more coverage is desired. The longer it dries, Venetian Glaze begins to calcify to the surface and cannot easily be removed.

To achieve the plaster-like effect on interior drywall, Venetian Glaze is a great option. Begin by applying 1 coat of MicroGrip primer to the drywall and allowing it to dry completely overnight then sand until smooth and uniform. Mix the Venetian Glaze material thoroughly before application. Apply Venetian Glaze with the desired dilution ratio, using a minimum of 2 coats with a trowel allowing 4-6 hours to dry in between each coat. You can also apply the product with a brush and then use a trowel to spread and smooth Venetian Glaze if preferred.

To achieve a color-shifted, veiling effect using Venetian Glaze, you first must confirm that the surface is absorbent by completing a water test. If absorbent, you can then dilute the product (see our dilution instructions on the product page) and mix the material thoroughly before and during application. If temperatures are above 80°F or in direct sunlight, lightly dampen your surface before application. Then apply the diluted paint with a Romabio Masonry Brush to create the veiling effect.

Venetian Glaze is typically dry to the touch within 30 mins of application depending on humidity. It can be over-coated after 4-6 hours under ideal conditions.

If the masonry surface is damaged, consult a mason and follow their advice on how to repair the surface prior to painting. Sealed, pre-painted and/or unabsorbent surfaces cannot absorb the paint and will require extra steps and possibly a different coating. Contact us directly at info@romabio.com or call 678-905-3700 for advice on the best product for finishing your prepainted, sealed or unabsorbent surfaces.

For plaster-like effects on interior walls, we recommend a stainless steel or plexiglass trowel to create movement and depth. For masonry or stone surfaces, use a Romabio Masonry Brush to apply the product.

Like most lime-based products, Venetian Glaze will appear significantly darker when wet and will dry much lighter and more opaque. Always allow your test area to dry completely (4–6 hours) before deciding on the final color. The color of the underlying brick or stone will also influence the overall outcome and look.

Yes, but it should be protected in areas with direct water contact or grease splatter. Use Romabio Decorative Topcoat to seal the finish in these specific zones.

No. Venetian Glaze, like all Romabio lime-based products, allows moisture to pass through so the surface can breathe. This prevents peeling and cracking as seen with traditional acrylic based paints that damage the masonry surface long-term.